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ShrubsFruit Edible

Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Loch Ness' (B)
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

blackberry 'Loch Ness'

'Loch Ness' is a fairly compact blackberry cultivar with upright thornless canes to 2m tall. White flowers are followed by firm, glossy-black, conical fruits, with the tangy flavour of wild blackberries, with very heavy crops that can be harvested from mid August until the first frosts

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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer White Green Black
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Rosaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Trailing
Genus

Rubus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, often scrambling with bristly or prickly stems bearing simple, lobed, palmate or pinnate leaves and 5-petalled flowers followed by juicy, sometimes edible fruits

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Usually fan trained. Mulch with well rotted compost or manure. May have the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well. See blackberry cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by tip layering or from cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Hedging and screens
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

Cut out old canes following fruiting and tie in new canes

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, leafhoppers, raspberry beetle and gall mites

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and honey fungus (rarely)

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